Around the World in Eighty Pages

As a kid growing up I traveled the world using just a library card. Ok, not literally, but I traveled the four corners of the globe between the covers of books.

I love to read and I love to travel. One of my favorite things to do when I'm on vacation is to read. I look forward to the blissful hours I can while away by the pool or on the beach reading a good book. I really enjoy reading books about travel and books set in the places I'm visiting. I've learned a lot along the way and discovered some writers I may not otherwise have known.

Go ahead, grab a book and transport yourself.

When on vacation in Jamaica I read the White Witch of Rose Hall by Herbert G. de Lisser. de Lisser's book is a fictitious account of what many Jamaican's feel is a true life tale. The White Witch tells the story of Annie Palmer, a probable black-widow and suspected voodoo practitioner who may have killed three husbands and several lovers. Annie is said to haunt Rose Hall to this day. Reading this story while I was there added yet another layer to the trip.

I first read one of  Tom Corcoran's Alex Rutledge novels, all set in Key West, sitting in the Key West airport. Vacation was over and I was wasting time in the airport gift shop while waiting for my flight out to Miami. I picked up Bone Island Mambo, I think it was, on a whim and really liked it. I've since read all of his books featuring Alex Rutledge Each one is like a return to Key West for me. His writing really captures the feel of the island and the people and places there.

Easily one of my favorite travel authors is Bill Bryson. I love his stuff. One of my favorites of his books is Neither Here Nor There. Laugh out loud funny. I read it when I was in Amsterdam. It's a really great book and one I would recommend. And now whenever I read it I'm right back in that hotel room.
Another of his books I really enjoyed is The Lost Continent-Travels in Small Town America. That book covers a road trip Bryson took around America starting in his home town of Des Moines, IA. Don't we all love a good road trip?
I've read and enjoyed most of Bill Bryson's travel books. They're fun and entertaining reads.

Another author that really captures the feel of a place is Archer Mayor. His Joe Gunther series is mostly set in the town of Brattleboro, Vermont. I started reading Mr. Mayor's books with the first Joe Gunther novel, Open Season.
I've read them all and even got to meet Mayor at a local book signing when I lived in Vermont.
From the capital in Montpellier to the ski slopes of Stowe, the novels paint a vibrant picture of Vermont. Archer Mayor's books are filled with fleshed out compelling characters that you'll love to get to know.

Ever since reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt I've wanted to visit Savannah, GA. I finally got my chance this past summer. I walked around Savannah with its beautiful squares and internationally know architecture and had my own perfect literary moment. From the page to real life. Fabulous.

When I think of travel I think of books. The two are inextricably linked in my mind. At least now I no longer need a separate suitcase for all of my books. (I'm only slightly exaggerating). Just me and my Kindle. With the ability to hold literally hundreds of books in the palm of my hand I can take along as many books as I want without over packing. Best travel accessory ever.

Want to return to someplace you've been? Dreaming about a place you want to visit? Pick up a book. Immerse yourself in the stories and travelogues. A chance to get away is as close as your bookshelf.

Let's Go!

Whether you're a frequent traveler or only travel occasionally signing up for hotel, airline and credit card reward programs is a must do. It's surprisingly easy to earn enough points for free or reduced fare flights and free hotel stays. Some programs are partnered with rental car companies as well.

The best way to take advantage of these programs is to book with the same hotels and airlines when you plan a trip. Most hotel loyalty programs cover several different types of properties under the banner of their particular brand. That makes it easier to find the style of hotel you're looking for and still earn points.

Airline loyalty programs have changed over the years. You still earn miles for flying but you can also earn miles from purchases you make with an airline affiliated credit card. If you can use your miles earning credit card for most of your purchases and pay it off each month it's a good way to pump up your miles. Some airlines offer reduced mileage awards (American is one). Restrictions apply but you can get a mileage ticket for less miles at certain times. Definitely worth checking out. Keep an eye on your mileage accounts. Some of the programs now have miles that expire, use em or lose em.

Also worth noting are all of the travel sites available online. I usually check Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz.
Also, Kayak.com. Kayak is nice because it consolidates fares from many different places and presents them all in one place. It can be a bit to wade through but worthwhile. Finally, check the airlines websites. Some of the low cost carriers (Southwest for example) don't list their fares with travel sites or consolidators. If it sounds like a lot of work, it is. But worth it to make travel more affordable so we can do more of it.

Many hotel chains also have affiliated credit cards. Typically you can earn extra points when using the branded credit card at the affiliated hotel. You can use the points for free stays or to upgrade to a better class of room. Most hotel loyalty programs cover all of the types of properties associated with the hotel brand. For instance Hyatt has at least a half dozen different hotel types under the Hyatt banner. Lots of options to chose from.

Pick an airline, hotel and car rental company and stick with them to maximize your earnings and potential rewards.

Getting Ready to Go

Over the years I've really changed the way I pack. I was never a very heavy packer but compared with today I used to pack like I was preparing for a long ocean voyage. I've really managed to scale things way down.

My go to suitcase used to be a 21" wheeled bag. It seemed small and compact compared to my past luggage and just barely held everything I thought I needed. Well, one struggle too many to get it in an overhead bin (IF you can find space in an overhead bin) and I knew I needed to downsize some more. My next bag was a 17" wheeled suitcase. Smaller and even more compact than the previous bag, I JUST managed to fit the absolute essentials into it. Fast forward to today and I've downsized yet again. My basic bag for a 7 day trip is a 16x9.5x6 over the shoulder travel bag. Fits under the seat on most planes so no fighting for overhead bin space. It has several pockets and easily holds everything I need.

Of course my idea of what I NEED has changed over the years too. For one thing I don't pack three different pairs of shoes anymore. I wear one pair and pack one pair. I roll all of my clothes for easy and compact packing. This pared down list works best for casual trips. However, if you need to dress up or have an event to attend you can still manage a small bag. If an item becomes too wrinkled to wear, most hotels will provide an iron or for a small fee you can have things pressed at the hotel. There really is no reason, short of a grand formal cruise, to ever need to lug a large bag with you on vacation.

You may have gotten the idea that I don't like to check bags. I don't. I stopped checking my bags even prior to the airline's new baggage fees. The reason for not checking a bag is this: checking bags slows you down. For me, waiting at the baggage claim carousel is its own circle of hell. Everyone packed around the conveyor, an army of black wheelie bags slowly circling. No thanks. I prefer to grab my bag and get out of the airport as soon as possible. Another reason not to check a bag is the ever changing flight schedules we deal with today. One delayed plane can cause undesired ripple affects throughout several flight schedules. Much easier to rebook or get on another flight with no worries about lost or delayed luggage.

If you have to check a bag, a few things to remember. NEVER pack valuables in your checked luggage. It's a sad state of affairs but there is more than a passing chance that your valuables won't arrive at your destination. NEVER pack your medications in your checked bags. If the bags don't make it to your destination you could be without the medication you need.
ALWAYS pack your bathing suit in your carry-on when heading to a beach or resort destination. A change of clothes too if you can manage it. That way if your checked bag is lost or delayed you can still enjoy the pool or beach and have something to change into afterwards.

What to bring, What to leave

Unless you are literally traveling to a third world country, and even then, you can leave most of your toiletries at home. Traveling with liquids is a hassle and will slow you down at security. Besides, most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, lotion and even toothpaste. Large resorts can provide even more and depending on where you've traveled to, you can purchase these items at your destination. So don't struggle with small, leaky bottles of shampoo and conditioner, just use what the hotels provide. (I've stayed in everything from the Red Roof Inn to five-star resorts and all things in-between, they've all provided at least the basic necessities.) Bring any must haves in your carry-on; prescription medications, contact lenses, sun and eye glasses.

A few things to keep in mind

If you have to check a bag put a copy of your travel itinerary inside your bag. That way if you and your bag get separated you have a better chance of getting it back.

If you like to catch up on your reading while on vacation I highly suggest one of the new e-readers. The prices have come way down and there is no longer any need to lug 10 books along on vacation.

Get a cellphone with a good camera in it. Pretty easy to do these days and makes carrying a separate camera, unless you need professional quality photos, unnecessary. A good habit to get into is to upload your photos to a photo site as soon as possible. That way if your phone is lost or stolen you still have your photos.

Unless you have to work leave your laptop at home. With the capabilities of today's smart phones and tablets there really is no reason to take a computer with you on vacation. At most hotels you'll have access to a business center if you have to check email or print out boarding passes or look for info on local attractions.


Some of this is common sense and very obvious. But even the most seasoned traveler can use a reminder from time to time. It's easy to get complacent and overlook the obvious.

This list just scratches the surface. There are a lot of good travel sites online that provide everything from packing lists to how-to videos for helping you get the most out of your travel experiences. I like Budget Travel to name one, both the website and the magazine. You can find lots of tips from fellow travelers and great resources for maximizing your travel dollar. A subscription is very affordable and I find it to be a very valuable resource.

Just get out there and take advantage of all of the programs available to help make travel easier and more affordable. Whether it's a long weekend or a multi-week excursion, travel is its own reward.

Key West - Paradise at the end of the road

Key West, Mile Marker 0, you've arrived at the end of the road, as far south as you can go in the US. Key West conjures up images of rum drinks, Hemingway, many-toed cats, roosters and Jimmy Buffett. It is all of that and so much more.

The Keys are a chain of islands that hang out at end of Florida. They are known for many things; fishing, snorkeling, sailing, boat races, all manner of water sports and activities. I never do any of that. Let's just say that I'm there for the OTHER things Key West is known for, fun and sun.

Key West is home to the Southern most point in the US. They have a big marker pointing that out. A very popular tourist attraction that features prominently in many vacation pictures. Taking your picture with the Southern Most Point marker is like a Key West visitors right of passage. We've done it and when you get there, you will too.

Key West is also known for its Sunset celebration. Yes, the wonderful folks of Key West celebrate the sunset with a crazy, quirky party. Folks gather on the docks at Mallory Square and watch street performers, sip drinks and wait for the sun to set. How can you not love this? Drinks, sunset, cats jumping through flaming hoops? What's not to love?

The island's history covers everything from pirates to politicians, treasure hunters to famous writers and everything in-between. A colorful past that lends an air of mystery and the exotic to this little corner of paradise. Where else can you walk in the footsteps of pirates and presidents, authors and smugglers, artists and crazy eccentrics? You can here, and we love it.

Key West has always been home and refuge to a motley, and not so motley crew of visitors. It was the location of Harry S Truman's winter White House and also the home of writer Ernest Hemingway. To this day Ernest Hemingway is celebrated with a festival in July called, what else, Hemingway Days. Sloppy Joe's bar, said to be a favorite hangout of Hemingway, holds a Papa look alike contest. No need to blame one too many rum runners if you see packs of Papa Hemingways making their way around town. You're not seeing things. Tennessee Williams was another literary figure to make frequent visits to Key West. It's said that he wrote the first draft of A Streetcar Named Desire while staying here.

We've visited many times. It's that kind of place, one you want to return to again and again. Each time will be a little different. You can stay in a five star resort or a cute and homey bed and breakfast. No matter where you stay you'll never be too far from a wonderful meal, a fun place to meet people and have a drink or a spot to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of Key West.

 

 There are many ways to get around the island. If you stay in the Old Town area and plan to stay there for you visit you won't even need a car. Almost everything is within walking distance in Old Town or just a short cab ride away. You can also rent bicycles, scooters or electric cars (think golf cart not Tesla) to make your way around town. Generally we prefer to stay in Old Town and be in the center of all the action. Duval Street is the main tourist area and is lined with shops, bars, restaurants and galleries.

A nice way to see the sites of Old Town is to take a Conch Train Tour. You'll get a leisurely tour of the area, the tour guides are a fun group and you may learn something.

The New Town area is very nice as well. There are several beautiful resorts located in the area and many have shuttles to Old Town. There is also public transport to the older part of town as well. No matter where you stay, resort or B&B, the people of Key West are warm and knowledgeable and happy to share that knowledge with visitors.

Another very popular area is know as the Bight, also the Historic Seaport. It is located in Old Town and is home to many popular restaurants and bars.

There is a lot of information available about traveling to the keys and Key West. A quick Google search will yield a ton of information on where to stay, what to eat, what to see. A great source of information are the Key West travel forums at Tripadvisor. There are "destination experts" there that are a wonderful resource for all things Key West.

If you plan to visit Key West there are a  few things to keep in mind:

There are a few nice beaches but there aren't long stretches of white sandy beach like in most of the Caribbean. Most of the resorts, if not all, have beautiful pools and a few have nice, small private beaches.
Key West has a reputation as a party town and it is BUT it can be a nice family destination too. Many people travel here every year with children and have a great time. That's the beauty of the island, it offers something for just about everyone.

Key West is a great food town. There are so many great restaurants to choose from. From high end to more affordable you will easily find a great place to eat. The hard part, if you're like us, is that there are only so many meals you can eat in one day. Just walk around, most restaurants have their menus posted. See what looks good, talk to a local, follow the crowds. You'll find a great meal and maybe make some new friends.

Have you been to Key West or other places in the Keys? Are you thinking about visiting or planning a trip? Please share your thoughts below. I'd love to know what you think.

Florida Keys & Key West

Blue Cobblestones and Pina Coladas - Travels in Old San Juan

Columbus discovered the island of Puerto Rico in 1493. It took us a little longer but eventually we got there too.
After watching a travel show about Puerto Rico we decided we should get there sooner rather than later. Being the designated travel coordinator here I immediately booked a seven day trip to La Isla del Encanto, the enchanted island, Puerto Rico.
There were a few things we wanted to do on our visit; take a walking tour of Old San Juan, visit Barrachina (birthplace of the Pina Colada) and spend some time in Guavate visiting the lechoneras and eating their famous whole roasted pork.

Strolling around Old San Juan you're immediately struck by the bold colors, blue streets and amazing colonial architecture. The houses and commercial buildings are painted in beautiful bold island colors. Just so gorgeous and vibrant. The famous blue cobblestones streets get their color from old ballast stones off of 16th century ships. Ships sailed over from Spain loaded with these stones made from the iron slag of Spanish foundries. Instead of being discarded they were put to use as street pavers and have been in place ever since.

The old San Juan area is filled with tree shaded plazas, restaurants, shops, museums and much more. There are lovely boutiques in which to shop for designer goods side by side with simple restaurants and vendors selling flavored ices out of a street cart. The whole area was named a UNESCO World Heritage sight in 1983.

 

This is also where the San Juan Cathedral is located. A rare New World  example of medieval architecture, the cathedral is the final resting place of famed explorer Ponce de Leon. The church has been located on this spot since 1521 and is the second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere.

 One of the best ways to experience Old San Juan is a guided walking tour. We arranged a walking tour through our hotel. David, our guide, took us all over the old city from the government buildings to the walls of El Moro. David was fun, knowledgeable and entertaining. We had a great morning and would highly recommend a walking tour as part of your stay. Segway tours are also offered. It's on my list of things to do on my next visit.

After all that walking around you'll need to find a place for lunch. Not at all difficult as there are lots of good places to eat. I love to stop at El Parnaso on Calle de Christo. It's a great place to grab a drink and some tacos. Yes, tacos. Not traditional Comida Criolla but very good. Try the local Medalla beer. You'll only find it in Puerto Rico so drink up! Or try the sangria made with rum and brandy. Lets just say that a nap might be in order after lunch.
Definitely try the local cuisine while you're here. One noted place to do so is at El Jibarito located on Calle Sol. They specialize in local Puerto Rican and caribbean food. The food is simple and authentic, worth a stop for sure. Another place for local atmosphere is La Bombonera located on Calle de San Francisco. Established in 1902 it is an Old San Juan icon. Stop in for the mallorcas and coffee.

Puerto Rico is the birthplace of the Pina Colada. The official home of the Pina Colada is Barrachina located on Fortaleza St. Stop in, sit at the bar or at a table on the patio, have a Pina Colada and enjoy the gorgeous courtyard. The food at Barrachina  is good too, so maybe stick around for dinner.

Rum. Nothing conjures up thoughts of sunny beach days spent in the caribbean quite like it. If you like rum you'll be happy to know that Puerto Rico is home to the Bacardi Rum Factory. You can take a tour and sample some rum. (Sadly we didn't take the tour) From Old San Juan you can take a ferry from Pier 2 to Catano and then a taxi to the factory. The island is also home to Don Q rum, a local favorite. Across from Pier 1 is the Don Q museum. It's a small space that highlights rum making and its history. There are also bartenders to offer samples and discuss the various Don Q rums. A quick but informative stop and there's rum!

One other thing, Puerto Rico has really good coffee. If you love coffee like I do then check out some of the local coffee shops. Cafe Cola'o located at Pier 2 in Old San Juan is a favorite. Really great coffee.

 
The town of Guavate, located 45 minutes from Old San Juan, is known for its lechoneras. (Lechoneras are restaurants that serve lechon asado - roasted pig). On weekends and holidays it's where locals come to meet up with family and friends, listen to music, dance, relax and enjoy some really good food.
Because we wanted to enjoy the scenery on the drive and because our Spanish is muy malo, we hired a local driver/guide to take us to Guavate. Manny was a great resource. On the drive out he told us stories about Puerto Rico's rich history, he  pointed out various points of interest and took us places in the city we might not have gone. Despite it being a rainy day we had a great time visiting the lechoneras of Guavate. With an assist from Manny we ordered lots of delicious food and some cold Medalla beers. Surrounded by happy, festive families, we had a memorable afternoon. If you're a fan of good food and fun times you really have to visit Guavate. It was easily the highlight of this trip.

After all of the running around, eating, drinking and sight seeing, it's a pleasure to return to the peace and quiet that is the Hotel El Convento. Built in 1646 as a convent, the Hotel El Convento is history brought to life. An amazing property, listed as a small luxury hotel of the world, it is one of my favorite places to stay.
From the beautiful courtyard, amazing architecture, to the world class service, I can't recommend it highly enough. It's a great place to stay. The location can't be beat, the service is top notch, personal and caring. The whole experience is worth it even if you only stay for one night and then move to a place near the beach. I can't imagine staying anywhere else when I'm in Old San Juan. Check some of the online booking sites as they list this hotel at times as part of a package deal. Worth looking for. The Hotel El Convento is an experience like no other.

If you are the adventurous type you can book a tour of the El Yunque rainforest and ride a zip line or take a kayak tour of a bioluminescent bay. Whether you prefer shopping and sunning or more adventurous pursuits Puerto Rico has you covered. There is so much to do and see one visit can't possibly cover it all.

Old San Juan is a mix of old world charm and new world amenities. English and Spanish are both spoken and US currency is the standard. There are many great places to visit in Puerto Rico. Old San Juan is just one of them. If you're looking for a fun, low hassle caribbean get away Puerto Rico is just the place. No passport required.

Hotel El Convento